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03-08-2011, 01:26 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
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Competitive Comparison - Class C Sprinters
I'm new here so be gentle ..... <grin>
Since Forest River manufacturers both the Forest River Solera and the Coachman Prism what are the differences between the two model lines? Do they both use the same Mercedes chassis specs?
For the most part, are all bailment chassis specs from Mercedes/Freightliner the same or do some convertors/manufacturers use/order a higher spec level chassis?
How does the Forest River Solera/Coachman Prism Class C Sprinters compare to the Winnebago View/Itasca Navion; the Thor Four Winds/Chateau; the Fleetwood Jamboree/Tioga; etc.?
Thanks
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03-08-2011, 04:25 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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The chasis is 100% the same (engine, weight, towing capacity, etc). The difference is 'options' selected and used (Radio, Seats, etc).
The big difference is floorplan and materials (and equipment) being used by the manufacturers.
The Winnebago View/Itasca Navion wins if you care about leather seats for the cab and a second radio in the coach as well as aerodynamic (not as tall and better front profile). However everything comes at a price and I just could not justify the 20K+ price difference.
The Coachman Prism looks interesting but I guess it will be priced/positioned against the Winnebago and carry a very similar price. For that price I would have preferred the Mercedes Grill (like the Winnebago) and not the Freightliner grill.....
We considered the Four Winds as well but no dealer in the area is willing to stock them (must be due to the 2009 chasis which is still Dodge branded and lacks a few horsepower) but priced like a Winnebago.
For us the Solera provided the most room in the living quarters and price/value was the best compromise we found. I would have taken the Winnebago if the price would be more 'realistic' on those (part of the problem was dealer only has the full paint option which is zero value when you sit inside and lots of $$$).
Reiner
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03-08-2011, 04:33 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
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Competitive Comparison
Reiner:
Thanks for reesponding and the information.
FYI - The Coachman Prism and the Forest River Solera "should" be the same unit since Forest River makes both?????
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03-08-2011, 04:35 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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gedupont,
the floor plans are rather different. Something like the Winnebago View which actually has 3 completely different floorplans (if you don't count the profile which is number 4).
Reiner
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03-08-2011, 06:28 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
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Solera versus Prism
Reiner:
My error. You are absolutely correct. The Prism has three different floorplans while the Solera only has one. I also notice that the Coachman Prism has leather/naugahyde seat surfaces rather than the cloth in the Foprest River Solera. Do you know of any other differences? Does the Prism possibly use custom swivel/reclining driver/passenger seats rather than the fixed Sprinter seats in the Solera?
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03-08-2011, 08:07 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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There is nothing on the website listing features, etc (yet). So all data is purely from pictures......
Having the Solera I might be biassed, but the non swivel and fabric seats are better for us than leather seats. The fabric is for commercial vehicles (if they used the stock Mercedes/Freightliner specs) and thus very resistent against abuse (unlike the leather).
From the picture the Prism seems to be positioned better against the Winnebago and Four Winds - but won't succeed as they did nice on the inside but the outside is the same 'old school' design while both Winnebago and Four Winds have a more modern (aerodynamic) design to their favor.
Reiner
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05-02-2011, 12:15 PM
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#7
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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Forest River is the parent company...but the Solera & Prism are completely different divisions. Instead of "Chevy-Buick" its more like "Chevy-Saturn". There is no cross over between the Coachmen & Forest River divisions (other than chassis).
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05-02-2011, 12:31 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
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We looked at the Navion and View before selecting the Solera. We were looking for function over form and $$ value. We paid over $20K less for our Solera than either the Navion or View. We have more storage than either Navion or View. I have upgraded the suspension which IMO would be required on any Sprinter based Class C so that is a wash. We have added swivel seat bases, pleated cab window shades and wood grain dash kit (a little luxury never hurt anyone) for less than $1,200. We get about 2MPG less than the Navion/View but it would take more miles than we will ever drive to make up the $$ difference. My only complaint so far has been the non brand Chinese backup camera system that doesn't work half the time. Our break-in trip was Austin Texas to Tewksbury Mass and back and all in all it was a great trip.
__________________
Charles and Ruth Anne
2011 Forest River Solera
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05-02-2011, 12:36 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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The backup camera gave up in ours on the first day and was replaced with a superiour one that is now working flawlessly. Maybe you need to work with your dealer to get it fixed. Seems to be a known issue as the replacement sent by FR was a better model.
We went through the same decission process. While we liked the View/Navion there was no way to justify the $20K+ price difference. Now that we use the Solera rather frequently we even prefer having a real oven - something the Navion/View can't offer.
Reiner
__________________
2011 Solera
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05-02-2011, 12:36 PM
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#10
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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Nice to hear. I'm with the factory, we've been talking about offering an upgrade package similar to what you have done aftermarket.
I'd be curious to know what you did for the suspension upgrade. The pleated cab shades, are those the same as what the view offers? Did you get your swivel seats aftermarket or from Mercedes?
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05-02-2011, 12:41 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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Very interested in the shades for the windows. The stock piece to hook up at the cabin are pretty much a waste. I'd rather have shades like the View/Navion.
Where did you get them?
I've switched the stereo from the front battery to the back battery so that we don't have to worry running the stereo and depleating the starter battery.
The most stupid thing however is that the TV is 110V only. It should have been a 110V/12V TV to be really usefull or the TV option should have included the inverter.
I'm however happy with the stock suspension but curious how much it did cost to install and would love to see how it improves handling.
Reiner
__________________
2011 Solera
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05-02-2011, 12:48 PM
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#12
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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The inverter is an available option. However as prices have come down, we're looking to switch over to 12v TV's. They are just not that readily available in the sizes that we want. That is changing as a local supplier is now offering 12v LED TV's from 19" to 36"
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05-02-2011, 12:53 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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Thank you for joining the forum and hope people will take it easy on you as a factory rep.
The one part that I was missing in the Solera specs is a second radio for the home similar to the one in the View/Navion that as well serves as the DVD player for both TV options. As well it enables external speakers that sometimes could be usefull.
I've been thinking where to add the Inverter and what model FR is using. The factory option 400W is more than enough for what we are planning (don't need a coffee maker, etc). However I wasn't able to get any information on that part. The space underneath the kitchen sink seems perfect but a bit cramped and most inverters a bit large for that location. However it would be close to the batteries (which is a must).
Thanks,
Reiner
__________________
2011 Solera
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05-02-2011, 01:02 PM
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#14
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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Part of the issue in getting specs on an option like that, is the constant change in supply. Seems like more often than not, we're being run out of parts. What we're using now (due to a much larger available stock) is a 600 watt pure sine wave inverter that does indeed fit in the base cabinet (tight as it is).
We now offer an exterior stereo with speakers in our other lines, there may not have been room on the Solera.
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05-02-2011, 05:30 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
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Great to have you on the forum bclemens! I think you will find happy campers here for the most part!
I'll try to answer all of the questions posed above:
I drove the Solera home during strong head and cross winds that made handling a white knuckle adventure. We are planning a 2 year full timing trip to Europe in this RV so I wanted as good a handling rig as is possible. I spoke at length with Mark at The Sprinter Store Home and purchased lift assist springs, an auxiliary sway bar and heavy duty shocks. I had them installed in Houston. I also purchased Reimo seat swivels from Sprinter Store.
I purchased the Remi cab shades and the wood grain dash kit from EuroCampers Parts & Accessories for Sprinter, EuroVan, Vangon & VW Bus but have not received them yet so can only hope that they are as advertised.
We have an appointment at the dealer for next Monday to address the warranty matters. Except for the backup camera, everything else is minor in nature and shouldn't pose any problem.
Here are the costs of the upgrades above:
Remi Shades $810
Reimo Swivels $270ea
Lift Assist Springs $600
Aux Sway Bar $700
Heavy Duty Shocks $400
Suspension Install $800
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Total: $3,850
I am doing ongoing comfort/convenience mods as we discover our full timing needs. The biggest remaining mod will be the conversion of the electrical system to work with european voltage and amperage differences. Right now, it looks like I will remove the AC and generator then install a step down transformer and a new inverter/charger. (Advice anyone?)
__________________
Charles and Ruth Anne
2011 Forest River Solera
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05-02-2011, 06:17 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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I saw a post by someone about the modifications for a Europe trip and they were not very happy (albeit being difficult).
As well you might need to replace the whole Propane system (due to different filling system in Europe). Plus don't EVER expect being able to run a generator - a big nono at any campsite in Europe.
I would have suggested to buy an RV in Europe and use it for the 2 years and then sell it again. Once you're done with the modifications for your trip and converting back after the 2 years it might be the same price....
Reiner
__________________
2011 Solera
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10-02-2011, 10:55 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 11
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What is the alternative backup camera? Our new 2011's camera is not much use.
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03-07-2012, 12:32 PM
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#18
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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This is sort of an old thread, but I mentioned a possible upgrade package. That is now reality. The SE package offers: Fiberglass front cap, soft touch vinyl ceilings, recessed glass lighting, woodgrain dash, hidden hinges, frameless windows, ultra leather driver/passenger, E-Stone countertops, upgraded faucets, GPS Navigation with iPod dock.
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03-07-2012, 12:41 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
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Competitive Comparison - SE Package
Thank You for updating the thread with that information. That makes a difference to me. This spring when the RV show comes to Dallas, TX I will definately take a closer look at the Prism now.
Regards,
George
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03-07-2012, 12:44 PM
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#20
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,969
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SE Package is on the Solera
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